Kagoshima Sunamushi Onsen Ibusuki Hakusuikan

After five nights in Tokyo, this was a lovely place to recharge. The meals were all delicious, and having yukatas and slippers provided added to the comfortable, relaxed feel. The sand bath was a memorable first for us, calming and unusual in the best way. We also enjoyed the roomy onsen, which never seemed crowded. The grounds and hotel are beautiful and peaceful from the moment you arrive. Staff were kind and helpful the whole time. We sometimes used Google Translate, and the dedicated English-speaking line at the front desk was useful too. We're very grateful for such a pleasant stay.

The warm black sand bath, around 50-55 C, was easily the main highlight. Even with plenty of guests, the place never felt crowded, and the staff seemed organized and well trained. The Annex rooms are large, with both Western and Japanese elements, and look out over the sea and the carefully trimmed garden trees. It’s a grand resort, with comfortable, well-designed onsen facilities. The landscaping and architecture feel somewhat artificial, though done with good taste. It was a very good family outing, but the experience does come at a price.

I wouldn't recommend this hotel. It was the worst place I stayed in Japan, and the price felt completely unjustified. The room was old, the bed uncomfortable, an outlet didn't work, and there was a baby cockroach inside. The room and hotel felt eerie, perhaps because the whole place is 70 years old. Good service can't make up for accommodation this bad. It's also far out of the way, so the trip wasn't worth it. If I could give it zero stars, I would.

The onsen is enormous, and parking is free. The rooms, though, are quite old and worn. Be aware that the sand spa costs extra after you use it. Most of the customers seemed to be foreigners, and some talked very loudly while using the onsen.